Man charged with animal cruelty faces backlash from community

A man arrested earlier this week for alleged animal abuse is not only spending time in jail but is now facing backlash from the community.

Police say the arrest came after an investigation that began in September when they found an injured pit bull puppy at his home.

Three months later they responded to another report of a dog being hurt. Their investigation revealed the injuries were consistent with animal cruelty.

ABC-7 spoke with neighbors Saturday evening.

Some residents are so appalled with the situation they are making efforts to find
more evidence so authorities can possibly bring additional charges against the man accused of abusing puppies.

“I saw what he had done(on the news) and I honestly can’t believe that someone can do these types of things,” a neighborhood resident said.

Residents and dog owners tell ABC-7 they’re disheartened by the recent news of the alleged dog abuse by 61-year-old Carlos Fernandez.

Fernandez was arrested and charged with two counts of cruelty to a non-livestock animal.

Neighbors secretly videotaped Fernandez with one of the puppies.

In one clip, the man appears to be seen throwing the dog in the air and letting it fall.

Fernandez is now seeing the backlash. His home has been vandalized.

The word PETA which stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the word KILLR is spray painted across the front of the house.

The lawn is littered with eggshells from being thrown at the home.

Neighbors also say Fernandez would get free dogs off Craigslist which also brings to light another question

:Should dog owners trying to find a good home for pets
just give them away to anyone?

“Unfortunately if you need to give them out or give them away for free make sure you do a little investigation maybe go check out the person’s home,” a neighborhood resident said.

Another organization also is making efforts to find more evidence of Fernandez’s alleged animal abuse.

elpasopets.org is posting flyers in the neighborhood asking if anyone has given Fernandez a dog.

They say the tips could possibly lead to more abuse charges for Fernandez.

“If you see something going on then become part of the neighborhood and try to make it a better place by doing the right thing,” said one concerned resident.

According to jail records as of Saturday Fernandez was still in jail. His bond is set at $3,000.

If you have given a dog to Fernandez elpasopets.org urges you to call them.

Callers can remain anonymous. The number is 915-412-6642.